Today's post is dedicated to the memory of my sweet friend and stampin' sister Sarina. On Friday, April 6th she unexpectedly passed away after suffering complications from a stroke.

Sarina was a full time care giver for her mom, Rosita. Both of these lovely ladies came into my life a couple of years ago and have been such a blessing not only to me but to the other guests at my classes and events.

Sarina had such a giving heart, she was always thinking of ways to bless others. In this photo above she and her mom are passing out little post it note holders that they had made for everyone who came to class that day.

Here they are again during a Christmas event. I remember them waiting outside and then making a surprise grand entrance as Santa and Mrs. Claus! Everyone was so surprised and delighted.

In this photo they are also holding a gift they had made for me. It was small Christmas tree made with a coat hanger, tinsel and it even had working Christmas lights on it.

After stamping with me for a little while, Sarina decided to become a demonstrator. Sarina joined Stampin' Up! and my team Stamped With Aloha and our group was never the same! Whether it be at classes, Inspiration Night or other stamping events Sarina had a way of making everyone laugh.

Her smile was infectious and her positive attitude so strong. Sarina was so encouraging to all of us. Whether it be about life of stamping she knew just what to say to make us feel affirmed and inspired.

One of my favorite photos of her is this one with a group of my downline whom she was especially close to.

Roxy, Sarina, Lori and Charlene at Inspiration Night

I'm pretty certain its because of something funny she said that all of these lovely ladies have such bright smiles.

Although I only had the blessing of knowing her for a couple of years she made an impact on my life from day one.

Both she and her Mom Rosita have taught me about strength, perseverance, selflessness and love.

Next month we will celebrate her life. I worked on a card I will give to her Mom at the memorial service. As I created this card I thought of Sarina.

Heartfelt Sympathy Card - www.stampedwithaloha.com

The base of the card is Old Olive because green was her favorite color. The roses on the card are yellow to represent the blessing of friendship we shared. The words come from the set Heartfelt Sympathy. The words beautifully express what I want to communicate to Rosita during this very difficult time. Sarina truly was someone so special.

In this photo Sarina is wearing one of our Stamped With Aloha shirts. The back says, "stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside". Sarina represented that motto so well.

Sarina knew I loved pineapples so she was often suprising me with pineapple things she would make or find. One of her last gifts to me was this pineapple air plant. I remember how joyful she was when she gave it to me in February. It was something she had seen on pinterest and took the time to create as a gift for me.

What a creative and thoughtful gift from my beautiful sister and friend.

I am truly thankful for the honor and blessing of knowing someone so special.

Sarina was taken from us very unexpectedly and it reminds me that we never know when that time will come for us or our loved ones.

Is there someone in your life that you are thankful for, have you told them that recently? How about someone you love. Do they know how much you love them?? How I wish I had one more opportunity to tell Sarina how much she meant to me.

We can all learn from the life of Sarina to be strong, giving, caring, encouraging and inspiring with each day we are blessed to live on this earth.

Rest in Peace my sweet friend Sarina, you are loved and will be dearly missed.

With Heartfelt Sympathy

World's Best Brother

Formula One Technique

Stamped With Aloha